Dhaka
Prague
About Bangladesh
Geography
Bangladesh, on the northern coast of the Bay of Bengal, is surrounded by India, with a small common border with Myanmar in the southeast.
Bangladesh’s 147,570 sq km ( roughly the size of England and Wales) are situated on a fertile alluvial plain formed by large rivers, the Padma and the Jamuna. Its topography is flat with no great mountains or deserts, and its rivers are vast. Bangladesh is bordered by India to the north-east and west, Myanmar to the south-east, and the Bay of Bengal to the south.
Government
Parliamentary democracy.
History
The origin of Bangladesh dates back to the Pundra civilization of the 3rd century BC. However, the modern history of the region can be traced back to 1199 when Bengal fell to Muslim forces from western India and was subjugated to the sultanate of Delhi. The country as we know it today came into being in 1971 after East Pakistan’s glorious and bloody nine-months battle for independence.
Economy
Bangladesh economy is now moving on a path of rapid and sustained growth. In fact the structural changes under the constraints imposed by the process of global integration, the management is channeling productive resources towards the achievement of a higher rate and quality of growth. Despite global financial crises, real GDP accelerated to 5.8 percent in 2009-10 from 5.7 percent in 2008-09, confirming the achievement of the path of rapid growth. Bangladesh’s economy gradually has become broader based with continuous higher food production.
Industry has a decisive influence on the pace of economic growth due to its increasing of share to GDP generation. The share of industrial sector to GDP increased steadily and reached to 30 percent in 2009-10 from 25 percent in 1999-2000 indicating the increase of share by 5 percentage point. On the other hand during this period, agricultural sector share to GDP declined by 6 percentage points, 26 percent to 20 percent and that of service sector increased by 4 percentage point, 46 percent to 50 percent.
Facts & Figures
President: Mohammed Shahabuddin (became President in April 2023)
Prime Minister: Tarique Rahman (sworn in Feb, 2026)
Land area: ~50,258 sq mi (130,170 sq km) (standard geographic figure)
Total area (including inland water): ~57,320 sq mi (148,460 sq km)
Population (2024–2025 est.): ~175,000,000 (growth rate: ~1.0%); birth rate: ~17.7/1000; infant mortality rate: ~30/1000; life expectancy: ~74.7 years; density per sq km: ~1,340
Capital and largest city:
Dhaka — estimated metro population ~22.5 million (2022 est.)
Other large cities (estimates):
- Chittagong (Chattogram) ~5.25 million
- Khulna ~950,000
- Rajshahi ~942,000
- Sylhet ~928,000
- Bogra ~864,000
Monetary unit : Taka (BDT)
Official language: Bangla (Bengali)
Bangladesh’s economy continues to evolve amid global and domestic challenges, showing resilience while navigating structural transformation. After years of robust growth averaging over 6 percent prior to recent slowdowns, the country recorded a provisional real GDP growth of about 3.97 percent in fiscal year 2024-25 (FY25) — the slowest pace since the post-COVID period — according to estimates from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS). The official annual estimate from quarterly production data places overall growth at around 3.69 percent for the same period.
Bangladesh also achieved its highest-ever per capita income of about $2,820 in FY25, rising from $2,738 the previous year.
The structure of the economy shows continuing transformation away from agriculture toward industry and services. In FY25, provisional sectoral performance indicated:
Agriculture grew at a modest rate, with output recovering slightly in some quarters but overall expansion remaining subdued relative to historical trends.
Industry continued to play a critical role in growth and recovery, with stronger manufacturing and construction activity contributing to expansion.
Services remain the largest contributor to GDP growth, though some deceleration was seen compared with earlier years.
Although official final shares of GDP by sector for FY25 are still being consolidated, broader trends over the last several years show a continued decline in the share of agriculture as a proportion of GDP, while both industry and services make up a larger part of economic output — with services contributing over half of total GDP.
At the start of FY2025-26 (Q1), early provisional data show the economy broadening its momentum, with growth of about 4.5 percent driven by stronger performance in industry and services, and agricultural output returning to positive growth.
Despite these gains, challenges remain, including slower investment growth, weather-related risks affecting agriculture, and global economic uncertainties. Bangladesh’s continued structural shift toward industry-led and service-based growth, however, reflects a long-term strategy to enhance productivity and broaden economic participation.
Climate
The climate in Bangladesh is sub-tropical, with temperatures ranging from a daytime low of 18`c in the cold season to a maximum of 40`c in the summer. Annual rainfall ranges from 200 to 400 cm. The country has four main seasons, Winter (Dec-Feb), Summer (Mar-May), (Jun-Sep) and Autumn (Oct-Nov).
Demography
The population of Bangladesh stands at around 149 million [according to Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, January 2011], making it the 7th most populous nation in the world and one of the most densely populated, with more than 800 people per square kilometer. Bangladesh has a young population, with 60% of the population under the age of 25.
Bangla is the official language. English is the second language and is used extensively in commerce, media and education. Nearly 88% of Bangladeshis are Muslims, while Hindus make up 11% of the population.
Social Development
Bangladesh has achieved substantial progress in mass literacy, public health, reduction of population growth and self employment support for rural poor. Primary education is compulsory and female education is free through the first eight years. The strong commitment to primary education and to gender equity means that three out of four girls now enter primary education.
In the area of health, over 80% of the country’s children are immunized against the six `killer` diseases. Infant mortality has decreased significantly. There has been a sharp decline in the fertility rate.
The increased participation of women in poverty alleviation programs as well as in Bangladesh’s ready-made garments sector, which provides jobs for more than 3 million women, has helped create an awareness of women’s issues at all levels.
An unparalleled concentration of innovative and committed non-governmental organizations has brought about a micro-credit revolution and guided countless indigent women and landless households into income generating activities. The safety net programs initiated by the government in improving the condition of the poorest to a level of survival are proving effective.